Lok Sabha Passes Indian Antarctic Bill 2022
On 22 July, 2022, the Lok Sabha has passed the Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022. The bill aims to bring Indian research stations in the Antarctic region under the domestic laws of the country. The Bill was introduced for consideration by the Union Minister of Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh.
India has two active research centers in the Antarctic region - Bharati and Maitri. Research centers are the base for scientists conducting research in the field.
The bill also applies to domestic laws on these research centers because they are not in the aegis of law currently.
What is the Indian Antarctic Bill 2022?
The Indian Antarctic Bill 2022 seeks to extend the jurisdiction of Indian courts to Antarctica. The bill was
introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 1, 2022 and has become the first bill to be passed by the House during the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.
Features of the Indian Antarctic Bill 2022
1. The Indian Antarctic Bill 2022 seeks to protect the Antarctic environment and regulate activities in the region.
2. The Bill shall apply to any person, ship or aircraft which is part of an Indian expedition to Antarctica.
3. Future Indian expeditions to Antarctica will require a permit from the Center's Committee on
Antarctic Governance and Environmental Protection.
Central Committee on Antarctica Region
The Center will set up a special committee for the governance and environment protection of the Antarctica region under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences. The committee will consist of 10 members, nominated from various
ministries and organizations and not below the rank of Joint Secretary. It will also include two experts from the Antarctic environment and geopolitical fields, to be nominated by the central government.
Indian Research Center in Antarctica
India has set up three research centers in Antarctica -
1. Dakshin Gangotri- 1983-84: It is situated at a distance of 2500 km from the South Pole.
2. Maitri - 1988: It is located in an ice- free, rocky area on the Shirmakar Oasis.
3. Bharti-2015: It is situated near Larsman Hill, between Thala Fjord and Quilty Bay, about 3000 km east of Maitri